Mainz 2026 – wissenschaftliches Programm

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Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik

Q 41: Poster – Quantum Technologies II & Laser Technology

Q 41.17: Poster

Mittwoch, 4. März 2026, 17:00–19:00, Philo 2. OG

Atomic Dynamics in Time-Dependent Optical Dipole Traps using GPU Computing — •Paul Christ and Reinhold Walser — Institut für Angewandte Physik, TU Darmstadt, Hochschulstraße 4A, 64289, Darmstadt

We investigate the classical non-equilibrium dynamics of neutral ⁸⁷Rb atoms confined in optical dipole traps. Motivated by experiments in the group of Prof. Birkl at TU Darmstadt [1,2], our work focuses on a crossed-beam dimple trap geometry, where a deep, tightly confining potential minimum at the beam intersection is used to enhance phase-space density. This will lead to the reversible creation of a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC).

To optimize the evaporative cooling, we implement time-dependent potentials that accurately describe the dynamic lowering of the trap depth. The project utilizes classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). The evaluation of the binary forces acting on a particle benefits significantly from the massive parallelization. To ensure long-term numerical stability and energy conservation, we employ and compare higher-order symplectic integration algorithms.

From the MD simulation, we find the relaxation dynamics (collision rates, scaling laws and thermodynamic relations) of the gas and obtain the critical experimental parameters.

[1] D. Pfeiffer, Dissertation TU Darmstadt,

10.26083/tuprints-00031145, (07/2025)

[2] T. Lauber et al., Phys. Rev. A 84, 043641 (2011)

Keywords: Optical Dipole Traps; Evaporative Cooling; Molecular Dynamics Simulation; GPU Computing